Anchor having pivotable flukes



June 17, 1969 w. GUIER 3,450,088

ANCHOR HAVING PIVOTABLE FLUKES Filed June 21. 1967 Sheet 012 IN VE N TOR WIL LIAM GUIER June 17, 1969 w. GUIER 3,450,088

ANCHOR HAVING PIVOTABLE FLUKES Filed June 21, 1967 Sheet 3 of 2 1 H, I: Ii 1 I ELEM mul 1; IL 2}, .H" Iii. H I r H H r' =9| m m 43 44 INVENTOR.

W/L LIAM GU/ER United States Patent US. Cl. 114-208 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A marine mooring anchor is shown as assembled from mechanical elements. The fluke portion of the anchor is formed from pre-cut plates having holes through which rods are journaled to retain the plates in assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates to marine mooring anchors which have moving parts. More specifically, anchors whose parts have two positions, one for mooring and one to facilitate removal from the bottom.

Description of the prior art The provision of a structure on the floor of a body of water to which a vessel can moor dependably is necesary in marine operations. This requirement is underscored in offshore oil operations of recent years. Whatever form a drilling platform, or other floating complex, may take, there is the periodic demand that its orientation to the bottom be maintained stable. The fundamental structure provided is a heavy object which is dropped to the bottom and a line connected between the object, as an anchor, and the vessel so moored.

The bottom beneath our large bodies of water may take many and varied forms. Unconsolidated mud-like material, many feet deep, may exist at one location. Hard shale strata may exist at another. An anchor should engage all types eifectively.

The original answer to etfective anchor engagement has been simply weight. Bring enough metal together in one body to provide predetermined resistance to dislodgment. However, the lubrication provided by most bottom material limits the stability of the heaviest body of metal that can be practically transported to the desired location as an anchor.

The original approach was modified by providing flukes on the body, some form of protuberance to dig into the bottom material and there resist dislodgment. Flukes have been fixed to the body and given some degree of movement. The modern designs have a fluke angle with the body shank at substantially 40. This appears to be a compromise between the engaging ability sought and the retrieval required. The flukes must grip the bottom for mooring, but not so efliciently that removal is impractical.

The flukes must be maintained in proper position during descent to the bottom. The heaviest anchor will tend to tumble as it descends in water. Some mechanism must be provided in order to engage the flukes most eifectively. Retrieval then becomes another problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A principal object of the invention is to provide an anchor body formed of weight parts of predetermined shapes which can be assembled together to give the anchor body a predetermined total weight.

Another object is to provide a first position for the anchor parts for bottom engagement by the flukes, and mooring, and a second position for the parts to disengage the fiukes so the anchor can be force.

Another object is to prevent tumbling of the anchor structure during descent so the fiukes will engage the bottom most effectively.

The present invention contemplates a frame including a stringer rod journaled through holes in weights of predetermined shapes, the weights retained to function as anchor flukes. A second rod is also journaled through the weights and both rods are connected to a shank member to hold the flukes in operative position relative to the shank. The second rod and shank can be subsequently disconnected so the flukes will align with the shank for removal from bottom engagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of an anchor in which invention is embodied;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the anchor of FIG. 1, the parts of the anchor positioned for engagement with the bottom and mooring;

FIG. 3 is an elevation showing an anchor held in operative position by a drag float during descent of the anchor;

FIG. 4 is the anchor of FIG. 3 in position for mooring;

FIG. 5 shows the anchor of FIG. 4 being retrieved;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an anchor in which the present invention is embodied, having flukes of a form dilferent from those of the anchor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a fluke tooth which is useful with the anchor of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a fluke tooth which is also useful with the anchor of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a drag-float useful with the anchor; and

FIG. 10 is an end elevation of the drag-float of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 should be considered together in grasping the form of the individual parts, and their cooperation, of the anchor embodying the invention. The first consideration is the frame upon which the heavier components are mounted. A part of this frrame is the shank 1.

The shank of most anchors approaching the conventional form has a fluke structure mounted On one end and provisions for connecting an anchor chain to the other end. The present embodiment is no exception in this respect. As an elongated member, shank 1 has the fluke structure 2 on one end and connecting provisions 3 on the other end.

As a part of the frame, shank 1 is connected to the middle section of a stringer rod 4. Rod 4 is referred to as a stringer because the parts of the fluke structure 2 have holes through which rod 4 is journaled. A second rod 5 is also extended through holes in the fluke parts, trunnion rod 5 being hereby held in parallel relation with stringer rod 4.

Fluke structure 2 pivots about stringer rod 4. In order to fix the angle fluke 2 makes with shank 1, a link member 6 is extended from a connection with trunnion rod 5 to a portion of shank 1 which is intermediate its ends. The fluke structure 2 is thereby extended at a desired angle to the shank when the complete structure functions as an anchor. When link 6 is disconnected from shank 1 the anchor parts move to an entirely different relation to each other to facilitate retrieval of the anchor.

FLUKE STRUCTURE 2 Each blade of the fluke, as disclosed in this embodiment, is cut from relatively flat material. All blades are shaped generally triangular, as discerned by viewing retrieved readly by upward the present blade 10. Blade 10 has a hole through which stringer rod 4 extends and a hole spaced from the first hole through which trunnion rod 5 extends. Adjacent to blade 10, and mounted on rods 4 and 5 in a similar manner, is blade 11.

Blades and 11 are not the same length. This is apparent from observation of FIGS. 1 and 2. At the lower, or pointed, ends of each blade the result of alternating long and short blades is to form teeth. This configuration is somewhat more readily apparent in FIG. 1. These teeth, when driven into a shale type of bottom, break the bottom material effectively and result in deep penetration of the bottom material by the anchor. The flat surface 12 of the fluke is then drawn against the bottom material in an effective bite action to give the mooring resistance.

In addition to convenient provision of a tooth configuration, the plate form of the blades gives flexibility in the size and weight of the complete anchor. As many blades as desired can be mounted, up to the limit of the rod length selected. To reduce storage and transportation problems, the anchor can be tailor-made in size and weight to meet the service required which may not always demand its maximum weight potential. Thus from a bulk standpoint alone, the concept embodied in the anchor provides flexibility in various situations, combined with ease in physically moving the various parts of the anchor.

The exact shape of the blades disclosed is, of course, without hearing on the scope of the invention. One concept is that the general shape of these heavy parts of the anchor facilitate relatively easy assembly on the frame of the anchor. The triangular configuration permits teeth to be readily formed for the efficient bottom biting required of the assembly as an anchor.

SHANK ASSEMBLY 1 The shank member 1 has been broadly described as a single member with one end connected to rod 4 and having connecting provisions 3 mounted on the other end. More specifically as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the practical embodiment provides two elongated members 13, 13A to function as the shank.

Shank members 13, 13A are held in parallel relation to each other, each having a hole at one end through which rod 4 extends. At the other end, members 13, 13A are spaced from each other by plate-like spacers 14, 15 which sandwich a sector-shaped plate 16. Pivot pin 17 both retains the assembly together at this end of shank 1 and provides a pivot for plate 16. The forward edge of plate 16 has a hole 18 to which an anchor chain is connected; the rear edge has a series of holes 19 in one of which pin 20 is selectively placed.

The anchor chain is connected to hole 18. Additional weight can be attached to the plate 16 if desired to add weight at that point. The force exerted by a moored vesset is transmitted to shank 1 through pin 17. The angle at which this force is exerted is important. It is desirable to match it with the type of bottom material engaged by the fluke structure surface 12. Holes 19 are spaced along the back edge of plate 16 so when one of them is selected for pin 20, the mooring load is exerted at a predetermined angle of direction on the end of shank 1.

CONNECTING LINK 6 Link 6 connects the shank 1 with the fluke assembly 2 to fix the angle at which the flukes extend down from the shank in taking and holding their bite. The connection with the fluke is the simple trunnion pin 5, but the connection with the mid-section of the shank is distinctive in providing full strength in one direction and frangibility in a second direction.

The function of the shank-trunnion pin connection is carried out by providing a hook-slot 21 in the underside of shank members 13, 13A and a shear-pin 22 through the end of link 6 and shank 1. Load bearing pin 23 is fixed to link 6 and engages hook-slot 21 so that a connection of suflicient strength is provided to resist all anticipated forces exerted on the anchor through sector plate 16. Also, the hook-slot engagement with pin 23 provides equal strength at any angle force is exerted through sector plate 19 holes. However, an upward pull on the end of shank 1 is taken solely on shear-pin 22, and its strength is predetermined to disconnect link 6 and shank 1.

Link 6 has been generally referred to as a single member. Specifically, it is discolsed .as two members, as was shank 1. Two separate members 6A, 68 comprise the link -6 and function side-byside to connect flukes 2 and shank 1 as heretofore set forth.

DESCENT OF THE ANCHOR FIG. 3 discloses the performance of the anchor of FIGS. 1 and 2 after it has released from the surface of a body of water and sinks toward the bottom. A body of water 25 with a surface 26 over a bottom 27 is indicated. The anchor is disclosed as having been released to sink toward bottom 27.

Fluke section 2 must have the pointed ends of its blades directed downward to engage the bottom with its teeth for effective penetration with the full force of the weight of the anchor. It is obvious that if the anchor is permitted to tumble as it sinks the possibility of proper bottom engagement will be reduced. Therefore, the present invention provides a drag-float 28 to properly direct the pointed ends of the blades during descent.

Drag-float 28 is designed and sized to give a predetermined resistance to the sinking of the anchor. It is disclosed as attached to the anchor at two locations to insure the anchor teeth are properly directed during descent.

Lug 29 and lug 30 provide points to which cables 31 are attached to connect drag-float 28 to the anchor. As the anchor sinks, dragging float 28 down with it, a portion of cables 31 unwinds from about the body of float 28, permitting the float to subsequently rise to the surface 26 and serve as a marking buoy.

FIG. 4 discloses the anchor position after penetration of the bottom 27 material and as tethered to a vessel with anchor chain 32. The float 28 is shown on the surface, exhibiting the position of the anchor on the bottom. The anchor has a full bite of the bottom 27 and gives the predetermined resistance to dislodgment by mooring forces through to anchor chain 32.

RETRIEVAL OF THE ANCHORS FIG. 5 discloses the second position taken by the anchor parts if necessary to the dislodgment from the bottom 27. Essentially, chain 32 is pulled vertically upward from a vessel 33 to dislodge the anchor. The anchor may be withdrawn by an upward force without disconnecting line 6 from shank 1. However, if the bottom material bitten by the anchor provides a predetermined resistance, the link 6 is disconnected from shank 1 by pin 22 being sheared. All the elongated parts of the anchor then align from hole 18 on plate 16 and the anchor meets substantially no resistance from the bottom material as it is extracted.

ALTERNATE ANCHOR FORMS FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 disclose some ways in which the form of the fluke structure of the anchor can be varied under the concepts of the invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the complete anchor with an alternate form for two members mounted on the frame as flukes.

In FIG. 6, the frame is basically the same as disclosed in FIG. 1. Shank 40 has connecting structure 41 for the anchor chain mounted on one end while fluke structure 42 is mounted on the other end. The same FIG. 1 form of frame members, including a stringer rod, trunnion rod and link, are combined with the shank 40.

Fluke members 43 are of different configuration than those disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2. They are, individually, much wider in providing flat surface 44 bearing against the bitten bottom material. A central section of the fluke is designated at 45.

The two shank members are spaced from each other on the stringer rod of the frame. Fluke section 45 has the stringer rod journaled through it and functions as spacing structure between the shank members. Additionally, this portion of the fluke structure provides a part of the surface 44 bearing against the bitten bottom material.

FIG. 7 shows one spacer-fluke blade 46 which can be used as a complete section 45 or as a part of section 45. In all events, it is contemplated that the spacer-fluke blade be cut from material of readily available thickness and as many such blades as desirable mounted, as shown in FIG. 6, to carry out both the spacing function and the fluke function.

FIG. 8 illustrates one form for fluke members 43 which can be readily fabricated to provide a broad surface 44. A broad surface 44 could :be desirable in relatively light bottom material, and a flat plate section 47 of desirable width and length would be the answer to effectively biting such material. Sleeves 48 are welded to one side of plate 47 as shown in FIG. 8. The stringer and trunnion rods of the frame are to extend through these sleeves. Of course this construction would be lighter than fluke teeth cut from solid plate, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 1 and 2. However, for biting, and holding, certain bottom material, this form would be preferred for embodying of the invention.

DRAG-FLOAT AND BUOY FIGS. 9 and disclose details of the drag-float and buoy 28 of FIGS. 3 and 4. The body of the structure includes two float sections 50 and 51, joined by two spool sections 52 and 53 between them. The spool sections are divided by an annular ridge 54, cable 31 being coiled for a first predetermined length on spool section 53 and then for a second predetermined length on spool section 52.

Each float section mounts a paddle member. Paddle member 55 is longer than paddle member 56. Both are generally fin-like structures providing large surfaces aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body of the buoy. As the body rotates about its axis, paddles 55 and 56 engage the water and offer resistance to this rotation.

Paddle 55 is formed longer and heavier than paddle 56, so that in the float position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 paddle 56 will be extended up from the water surface and into the air. A reflector button 57 is mounted on paddle 56 to aid in visual location of the buoy structure by personnel at a distance from the buoy.

The buoy is shown attached to an anchor on the bottom 27 by cable 31. A predetermined length of cable 31 was coiled on spool section 52 prior to releasing the anchor from the surface. The length of cable 31 had been predetermined to enable the buoy to reach the surface and indicate the position of the anchor to which it Was attached by cable 31.

It is expected that when cable 31 is coiled on spool section 52 the cable is temporarily secured to the paddle 55 by a frangible fastener 58. When the anchor is released from the surface, the fastener 58 is expected to break and permit the portion of cable 31 wound on spool section 52 to unwind. Fastener 59 is secured to cable 31 to predetermine how much of the total length of cable 31 is retained on spool section 53.

After fastener 58 breaks, and cable 31 begins to unwind from spool section 52, the body 28 is rotated by this action. Paddles 55 and 56 engage the water and resist the rotation. The buoy then functions as a drag on the descending anchor. The drag force on the anchor aligns the anchor as shown in FIG. 3. The drag-float will tumble erratically as cable 31 unwinds because the spool section 52 is not in the center of the body. All of this motion produces a force of high resistance on the descending anchor to keep it oriented.

After the anchor is in its bottom position, as described in FIG. 4, cable 31 continues to unwind and the drag-float rises to the surface to function as a marking buoy.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and maybe employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

. The invention having been described, what is claimed is:

1. An anchor having:

a frame including:

(a) a stringer rod;

(b) a trunnion rod arranged parallel to the stringer rod;

(c) a shank member rod by one end;

((1) and a link member connected to the trunnion rod by a first end and the shank member by a second end;

members shaped to function as anchor flukes with holes through which the stringer and trunnion rods are journaled, the members held in fluke relation to the shank member by the link member;

and a sector-shaped plate pivoted at its mid-point to the end of the shank member which is not attached to the stringer rod and having a hole through its outer edge for attachment to an anchor chain and having a series of holes through its inner edge to accommodate a pin to selectively connect the inner edge to the shank member to determine the angle at which the force of the anchoring chain is exerted on the shank member.

2. An anchor and drag-float combination, including:

an anchor having flukes which engage the bottom when descending through Water in a predetermined orientation;

and a drag-float attached to the anchor by a cable and oflering suflicient resistance to the descent of the anchor drag-float comprising:

to maintain its orientatoin for bottom biting, the

(a) two float sections joined by a spool section on which the cable attaching the drag-float is wound,

(b) and paddle structures on the float sections which resist rotation of the float sections as the cable is unwound from their connecting spool by engaging the water in Which the combination descends to the bottom.

3. The combination of claim 2 in which, one paddle is formed longer and heavier than the other so the dragfloat will float on the surface of the water with one paddle in the air.

4. The combination of claim 3 in which, the paddle in the air has a signalling device attached to it which can be viewed by personnel.

connected to the stringer References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS TRYGVE M. BLIX, Primary Examiner. 

